News
October Update: College of Computing in 5
October 31, 2024
1. Distinguished speaker series brought 2 speakers
The College of Computing recently hosted two distinguished
speakers, Dr. Gloire Rumbanbiza and retired FBI agent Mr. Bill Blynn,
who shared their expertise with students and faculty. Dr. Rumbanbiza,
a 2018 GVSU computer science graduate, captivated attendees with his
educational journey from GVSU to Cornell University, where he earned
his doctorate. He also provided insights into his dissertation and the
digital agriculture advancements his research supports. Faculty and
students, as well as staff across the university who knew him as a
student, gathered to engage with his experiences and work. Mr. Blynn
discussed his career with the FBI, offering guidance on their
recruitment process and sharing stories from his service, including
cases he worked on and notable individuals he encountered. His talk
attracted cybersecurity and criminal justice students, along with
faculty advisors, making it a memorable event for those pursuing
similar paths.
2. GVSU attends Ford’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month Event
Cybersecurity student, Audry Douglas, and Dr. Samah Mansour
recently participated in Ford’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month kickoff
event at the beginning of the month. This was a gathering of industry
professionals and experts. The event offered them a valuable platform
for networking with cybersecurity specialists while engaging in
insightful panels on critical aspects of today’s cybersecurity
landscape. Panel discussions delved into emerging trends, evolving
threats, and innovative strategies, giving attendees an in-depth look
at the field’s current challenges and advancements. This experience
not only enriched their understanding of cybersecurity trends but also
connected them with professionals who are actively shaping the
industry, bridging academic knowledge with real-world applications for
a well-rounded learning experience.
3. Combined Degree Lunch & Learn
The recent Lunch & Learn event sparked strong interest among
GVSU College of Computing students in the BS/MS combined
degree programs. There were around 40 studets present to learn
more about the combined degree programs. Students were highly engaged,
taking advantage of the opportunity to connect directly with graduate
program directors, staff, and academic advisors. The combined degree
pathway allows them to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a
streamlined time frame and save money while doing so. Attendees asked
detailed questions about program requirements, graduate
assistantships, scholarships, and potential career advantages. Many
students are seeking to advance their education in fields of applied
computer science, data science and analytics, health informatics and
bioinformatics, and cybersecurity. The event showed the growing trend
among students seeking to deepen their expertise and expand their
career options through the GVSU’s innovative programs. This event
reflects the College of Computing's commitment to providing pathways
that support academic growth and respond to the dynamic demands of the
tech industry.
4. Computing Lakers take on the Career & Internship Fair
The College of Computing made a remarkable impact at the recent
GVSU Career & Internship Fair. Computing lakers had a strong
presence that underscored the college’s commitment to connecting
students with industry opportunities. The GVSU Career & Internship
Fair, attended by a wide range of students across all academic years
including our computing alumni. This is a true highlight to the
college’s dedication to career readiness and professional development.
Rodd Lowell, Director of Internships & Career Development, noted,
"Our representation at this event reflects the strength and
potential of our students in the tech field. Seeing our students
actively engage with industry professionals is a testament to the
college’s focus on preparing them for the future." This
engagement provided students a platform to showcase their skills and
build valuable industry connections, embodying the college's mission
of fostering career growth and success.
5. College of Computing formalizes their first HBCU/HSI agreement
On October 30, GVSU signed formal agreements with Wilberforce
University in Ohio and Voorhees University in South Carolina. These
agreements create pathways in applied computer science and
cybersecurity for students who complete their bachelor’s degrees at
these institutions, enabling a seamless transition to GVSU’s graduate
programs. This is the first articulation agreement since the College
of Computing became its own college. The agreements signed marks
a milestone of 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)
within GVSU’s HBCU/HSI consortium partnerships. Dean Marouane
Kessentini spoke at the signing, recognizing the dedication of
computing faculty in establishing these pathways. He also addressed
students, highlighting how computing bridges academia and industry
through events that foster industry feedback on curriculum. Kessentini
ended his speech reminding the audience, "Computing Lakers always
reach higher."
Article written by Shelby Harrison.